RED BLUFF — Public Works Director Robin Kampmann presented four options the city has to improve crosswalk safety of the Elm and Main streets intersection at Tuesday’s City Council meeting.

The first option would entail installing a flashing beacon and two pushbuttons near Villa Columba Apartments and Sacred Heart Church. Option two would have flashing beacons installed at all four corners of the crosswalk. The third option is similar to option one, but two flashing lights would be installed at the pedestrian safety islands. The city would install flashing lights at all four corners of the crosswalk and the pedestrian islands for option four.

Public Works Director Robin Kampmann presenting the Red Bluff City Council the options the city has to improve crosswalk safety at Elm Street. (George Johnston — Daily News)

There are no electrical services in the intersection because in April a car collided with a streetlight at the corner across from Sacred Heart Church, Kampmann said. The streetlight was serviced by overhead power so when the light was hit, Pacific Gas and Electric Co. removed the overhead service, which served three more lights in the area.

All warning lights installed at the Elm and Main crosswalk would be powered by solar energy. City staff found it would be more cost-effective to install the solar-powered beacons than creating an underground utility.

Kampmann said option one is the absolute minimum the city could do. She only presented the option so the council could see all the choices the city has. Option two is better than one because it provides more awareness to the drivers.

The equipment for option four would cost $15,000-20,000, Kampmann said, but city crews could install the beacon and lights themselves.

Public Works does not know the life span of the beacons, Kampmann said, but they would be covered by insurance if someone hit them.

In all options, the tree near Villa Columba would have to be removed because it would obscure the warning signs, Kampmann said. She estimated it would cost $700-900 to remove the tree.

Local resident Michael Barron said the crossing is dangerous.

“I am a resident of this complex, Villa Columba, and I can tell you the drivers that go through there barely recognize it is as a crosswalk,” Barron said. “I think we need the option that would most maximize the idea of a mandatory caution.”